Med-Surg Integumentary System Exam Questions with Complete Solutions What is the epidermis? - Correct Answers The outermost layer that contains keratin to waterproof the skin Also contains melanin (pigment that shields the skin from excessive sunlight by absorbing UV rays What is the dermis? - Correct Answers Lower layer of skin that contains capillaries, nerve fibers, sweat glands, oil glands and hair and nail roots What is psoriasis? - Correct Answers Genetically determined chronic disease that causes skin proliferation (peeling back) Silvery scales with raised, reddened areas What correlations have been made between alcohol and psoriasis? - Correct Answers Alcohol exacerbates the psoriasis symptoms What other conditions will exacerbate psoriasis? - Correct Answers Stress Systemic infections (sepsis) Obesity Any injury to the skin Pregnancy What is the most common treatment for psoriasis? - Correct Answers Topical steroid ointments and topical antihistamine creams Since psoriasis is incurable and chronic, what is the treatment objective? - Correct Answers Provide temporary relief of symptoms What is exfoliative dermatitis? - Correct Answers Serious, sometimes fatal, disease in which thick layers of skin separate from muscle and peel off What can cause exfoliative dermatitis? - Correct Answers Secondary reaction to a pre-existing skin disorder, psoriasis or eczema, or could be a drug sensitivity, or an underlying malignancy of leukemia or lymphoma, or skin contact with mercury 1 / 2
What are the S&S of exfoliative dermatitis? - Correct Answers Generalized erythroderma (red- skinned) Thick sheets of desquamation (proliferation but deeper layers) over large areas of the body Severe pruritis Enlarged lymph nodes, spleen and liver Hypothermia secondary to skin loss Large iron loss that will cause anemia What medical treatment and nursing interventions are appropriate for exfoliative dermatitis and psoriasis? - Correct Answers High dose antihistamines -IV Therapeutic bath (105) followed by topical steroids, followed by occlusive wraps (wet underneath to keep skin alive and moisturized) and dry on the outside Systemic steroids Increase room temp to control body temp Must have at least 1 IV Maintain VS Arterial BP - not arms or legs that have desquamation What functions will therapeutic baths have for a patient with exfoliative dermatitis and psoriasis? - Correct Answers Disinfect and deodorize the skin but NOT sterilize skin Help relieve pruritis Soothing effect Softens and lubricates the skin How long should a pt stay in a therapeutic bath? - Correct Answers 20-30 minutes What are the S&S of impetigo? - Correct Answers Cluster of pusutles Pustules are broken open and have yellow crust What causes impetigo? - Correct Answers Staph or strep
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